Magpies deny Owen escape

Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort has confirmed that there is no longer a buy-out clause in England striker Michael Owen's contract with the St James' Park club.

The 27-year-old had been linked with a cut-price £6million move away from the Magpies, but Mort says that that is no longer possible.

He said: "There was a clause in Michael's contract which allowed him to leave for a certain fee during the last transfer window and the summer before that as well, but that sort of clause does not exist any longer.

"We want to see a fit Michael Owen score goals for Newcastle United for many years to come. There is no nervousness about his contract situation."